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Rostam Announces American Stories, Releases “Like a Spark,” and Plots Spring Tour

The former Vampire Weekend member presents his third solo album as a conversation between Americana and Persian musical traditions.

Overview

  • American Stories is slated for May on Matsor Projects via Secretly Distribution, with most outlets citing May 15 while one report lists May 5.
  • Lead single “Like a Spark” is out now alongside a session video drawn from American Stories: A Concert Film, directed by Antony Muse and due this spring.
  • The North American tour begins May 27 in San Diego with stops including Vancouver on June 5 and Toronto on June 15 before wrapping June 26 in Austin, followed by European dates in September.
  • Collaborators include Clairo on “Hardy,” Iranian American multi-instrumentalist Amir Yaghmai, and co-writer Tobias Jesso Jr., alongside a wider ensemble of string and wind players.
  • Rostam says the record foregrounds his Iranian–American identity through microtonal saz set against Western guitar chords, with artwork featuring an upside-down U.S. flag meant to invite varied interpretations.